French harp

noun

, Chiefly South Midland U.S.

1. harmonica ( def 1 ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of French harp¹

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85

Example Sentences

The only times I had ever heard my little dog bawl like that were when she was baying at a bright Ozark moon, or when someone played a French harp or a fiddle close to her ear.

From Literature

On the top of one was some valuable old china, and on the other an electrifying machine; a French harp with only half-a-dozen strings stood in the corner near the fire-place, and several dusty pictures of various sizes leaned with their faces against the wall.

From Project Gutenberg

She also plays at least 15 musical and questionable instruments, to wit: banjo, fiddle, guitar, French harp, tenor guitar, ukulele, trumpet, accordion, piano, twelve-string guitars, Jew's-harp, dulcimer, five-string banjo, hand saw, rubber gloves, "and a tune I makes by just slopping against my cheeks with my hands."

From Time Magazine Archive

Then I do a number with the guit-tar and play the French harp and sing, all at the same time.

From Time Magazine Archive

There were declamations, debates, the interminable, singsong ballads of the frontier, usually accompanied by French harp or fiddle.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• harp